The 2010 election is viewed by many scholars as an opportunity to reshape a post-Arroyo politics in the Philippines. That said, there are, of course, Arroyo supporters who wish to continue the programmes and policies of the incumbent administration.

No lame duck

Arroyo is already supposed to be a lame duck president as her term will expire on June 30. But her unprecedented decision to run for a congressional seat has prompted speculation that she’s planning to seize power should her allies in Congress move to adopt a parliamentary form of government through a constitutional amendment. Since Arroyo’s party controls the majority of seats in the Lower House, Arroyo could end up becoming the country’s first female prime minister.

Against such a backdrop, it’s almost inevitable that Arroyo’s delayed retirement from politics and almost decade-long rule are forming the key points of debate among national candidates for the upcoming elections. And, if Arroyo’s aim is to remain politically relevant despite her time as president drawing to a close, then she has undoubtedly succeeded.

Wannabe presidents

Nine of the ten presidential candidates are critical of Arroyo, while even administration candidate Gilbert Teodoro is not exactly vocal about his support for her (perhaps afraid that his ties with the unpopular incumbent will hurt his own electoral chances). Regardless, Teodoro is faring poorly in nationwide surveys.
But this doesn’t mean the opposition is bound to triumph. The inability of opposition parties to unite can favor the ruling coalition, especially in the local elections. What binds the opposition candidates is their personal hatred against the president, and these candidates are so far benefitting from Arroyo’s unpopularity. But this alone won’t be enough to defeat the massive machinery of the administration party.
The field includes a former president who was deposed in 2001, four senators, two religious candidates who are presenting themselves as the ‘moral choice,’ and a distinguished environmentalist.

Campaign themes

Opposition candidates are blaming the Arroyo administration for what they say is a deteriorating quality of life in the country, and have highlighted the scourge of corruption at the highest levels in government as a cause of poverty. They also criticize the president for failing to make the countryside peaceful—especially in the south of the country—and for their part are pledging to follow up on an agenda of hope and change in response to a pervasive sense of disappointment that cuts across all sectors in society.
The 2010 elections will test the political maturity of Filipinos and the strength of democratic institutions in the only Catholic-dominated country in Asia. Who will be the next president of the Republic of the Philippines? The people will decide.

In the meantime, Filipinos of all ages are enjoying the circus that has come to be known as the 2010 elections.